Written by Alexandria Anglade
In a world where artists often chase trends or follow a formula, Poet!c Rams stands out as someone who moves to the beat of a different drum—a jazzy, poetic, and sometimes rugged one. At just 19 years old, he’s sculpting a musical and literary path that intertwines classic influences with modern-day experiences, all while refusing to confine himself to a single label. Here’s a glimpse into the soulful world of Poet!c Rams, where spoken word meets arthouse aesthetics, and creative expression is as natural as breathing.
For Poet!c Rams, the journey to each track begins with mood and sensation.
“There’s not much thought involved, until there is. Writing is the core of my tunes as poetry is my language.”
He describes his method as a “smooth essence”—though it might appear effortless on the surface, there’s a deep current of ideas flowing beneath. Sometimes, cannabis sets the stage for his “yeaNo” sessions, yet he humorously separates that habit from his Poet!c Rams persona. Usually, he prefers solitude, but friends like LaSean, Fabein, members of the avant-garde punk band DenverDissent, Kardell, and Katina (through FaceTime) might join him on occasion. Whether alone or surrounded by his circle, he maintains that the sweetest creative moments often come when he’s left to his own devices.
Finishing a song can be a tricky business—some artists might tweak tracks endlessly. Poet!c Rams, however, relies on a feeling to signal when a piece is done.
“I don’t really incorporate too much thought… I approach all my work like a documentary.”
He’s inspired by the legendary Madlib’s preference for “raw and rugged sounds,” meaning the production often retains a rough edge. Some songs are polished, while others wear a deliberate roughness, all in service of capturing that “jazzy-nasty groove” he loves so much.
A hallmark of Poet!c Rams’ work is the infusion of spoken word elements. He weaves bits of Def Poetry Jam, old Stretch and Bobbito show recordings, OG skate tapes, Spike Lee film snippets, Digable Planets vinyls, and 90s interviews into his background layers. These references are more than aesthetic flourishes; they reflect his headspace at the moment of creation—sometimes slow, sometimes quick and subtle.
“The theme of self-improvement through love and hardship keeps my work in a flow,”he notes, but he resists being boxed into any single genre or interpretation.
In an industry often driven by labels and commercial imperatives, Poet!c Rams stays firmly rooted in his independence.
“A label may be nice, but creative freedom comes first,”he states, highlighting his non-industry approach—performing at local cafés, giving readings to peers, and having jazz always playing in the background. The ups and downs of a poet’s journey are real, but he leans on the advice of role models like Earl Sweatshirt, his grandmother, and his mother, who taught him to “keep faith and keep pace.” That forward momentum is part of his DNA, driving him ever onward.
His first release, “hello,welcome,” taught him to trust his instincts and share what feels right in the moment. Reactions were slow at first, partly because of its exclusive initial release on Bandcamp. But over time, the music found the audience it was meant for—listeners who resonate with his slightly mysterious, genre-blending style. He’s quick to admit that his sound may not click with everyone, and he’s perfectly fine with that.
“Not to be arrogant, but I enjoy the mystique of myself very well.”
Though just 19, Poet!c Rams is frequently labeled an “old soul.” He relishes the surprise people show when discovering his eclectic tastes—jazz quartets like Nasty Izms, punk collectives like DenverDissent, and influences as varied as skate videos and classic hip-hop.
“I always gain a new perspective of approach by working with different folks,”he explains. Feeling out of step with peers growing up shaped him, instilling a sense of discovery and openness to the world’s sonic possibilities.
Ask Poet!c Rams if he’s “made it,” and you’ll get a reflective but unabashed response:
“I always feel like I made it… even though the reality is I’m still an underground artist.”
He lives in what he calls his “own delusion,” confidently enjoying the creative process while acknowledging that there’s still much to accomplish—such as writing his upcoming collection, planning his first EP release, shooting short films, and more. In his mind, time will tell when he’s truly reached the pinnacle he envisions. Until then, he’ll continue crafting a vibe that’s equal parts raw, reflective, and undeniably his own, never compromising or bending to make others comfortable.
Poet!c Rams stands as a testament to the power of uncompromised expression. He’s proof that, in an era often obsessed with instant hits and viral fame, there’s still a place for the slow, deliberate unfolding of art that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Guided by jazz, poetry, and the faint hum of skateboard wheels on concrete, he reminds us that true creativity thrives at the intersection of respect for the past, bold engagement with the present, and an eye always toward the possibilities of tomorrow. If he’s not a household name yet, it’s only a matter of time before people catch up to the ethereal, nocturnal groove he’s so passionately crafting.
Instagram: @rhythmsoframs
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